CAI Salary 2026: $113,124–$172,529 — Civil Aviation Inspector (Government of Canada)
Effective Date: 2026-01-26 · Verified 2026-04-26
CAI rates of pay for all CAI (Civil Aviation Inspector) levels in the Canadian federal public service, 2026. Salaries range from $113,124 to $172,529 across 5 levels. Category: Technical & IT. Source: Treasury Board collective agreements.
| Level | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAI-01 | $113,124 ~$77K net | $116,138 ~$79K net | $119,226 ~$80K net | $122,413 ~$82K net | $125,684 ~$84K net | — | — |
| CAI-02 | $120,893 ~$81K net | $124,124 ~$83K net | $127,452 ~$85K net | $130,864 ~$87K net | $134,381 ~$89K net | $137,992 ~$91K net | $141,787 ~$93K net |
| CAI-03 | $128,846 ~$86K net | $132,303 ~$88K net | $135,858 ~$90K net | $139,516 ~$91K net | $143,275 ~$93K net | $147,148 ~$95K net | $151,123 ~$97K net |
| CAI-04 | $136,610 ~$90K net | $140,292 ~$92K net | $144,072 ~$94K net | $147,960 ~$96K net | $151,965 ~$98K net | $156,074 ~$100K net | $160,308 ~$102K net |
| CAI-05 | $146,933 ~$95K net | $150,901 ~$97K net | $154,991 ~$99K net | $159,199 ~$101K net | $163,518 ~$104K net | $167,963 ~$106K net | $172,529 ~$108K net |
Net estimates assume Ontario, no dependents, PSPP Group 2 (post-2013 hire). Use the calculator for your full situation including province, marital status, RRSP, union dues, and pension group.
Select a level for full step breakdown
CAI-01
$113,124 – $125,684
$4,351 – $4,834 biweekly (before deductions)
Rates effective from 2026-01-26 · Last verified 2026-04-26 · methodology
CAI-01 pay raise history (rates from previous collective agreements)
| Effective Date | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-26 | $113,124 | $116,138 | $119,226 | $122,413 | $125,684 |
| 2025-01-26 | $110,906 | $113,861 | $116,888 | $120,013 | $123,220 |
| 2024-01-26 | $108,460 | $111,350 | $114,311 | $117,367 | $120,503 |
| 2023-01-26 | $104,777 | $107,569 | $110,429 | $113,382 | $116,411 |
| 2022-01-26 | $99,984 | $102,648 | $105,378 | $108,195 | $111,086 |
CAI – Civil Aviation Inspector
$113,124 – $172,529
$4,351 – $6,636 biweekly (before deductions)
5 levels · Salary data from Treasury Board collective agreements
Rates effective from 2026-01-26 · Last verified 2026-04-26 · methodology
About the CAI Classification
The CAI (Civil Aviation Inspector) group covers Transport Canada inspectors responsible for overseeing the safety of Canada's civil aviation system. CAI employees inspect airlines, aircraft maintenance organizations, flight training units, and airports to ensure compliance with Canadian Aviation Regulations. They also certify new aircraft types, approve maintenance programs, and investigate aviation safety concerns. The group is based primarily at Transport Canada's regional offices across the country.
CAI positions typically require extensive prior aviation experience — many inspectors are former pilots, aircraft maintenance engineers (AMEs), or aviation operations specialists. The classification reflects the specialized technical knowledge required to assess whether airlines and aviation organizations are operating safely. CAI inspectors conduct on-site inspections, review technical documentation, and make regulatory decisions that directly affect aviation safety.
The CAI group operates under significant public safety responsibility: their oversight work is the primary mechanism through which Transport Canada ensures that Canadian aviation meets international safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The group has faced recruitment challenges as experienced aviation professionals often earn substantially more in the private sector, particularly at major airlines.
CAI Tools and Related Resources
CAI net pay after federal + provincial tax, CPP, EI, PSPP
Compare with other classificationsSide-by-side CAI vs AS, EC, IT, FI, PM
CAI raise history vs CPICumulative raise vs Statistics Canada inflation
Other Technical & IT classifications
CAI salary — frequently asked questions
What is the CAI salary range?
The CAI (Civil Aviation Inspector) salary range is $113,124 to $172,529 per year as of 2026-01-26, across 5 levels (CAI-01, CAI-02, CAI-03, CAI-04, CAI-05). Rates are sourced from publicly published collective agreements.
What does CAI stand for in the Government of Canada?
CAI is the Treasury Board classification code for Civil Aviation Inspector positions in the Government of Canada. It covers 5 levels (CAI-01, CAI-02, CAI-03, CAI-04, CAI-05) reflecting different levels of responsibility and seniority.
How much does a CAI-01 make?
A CAI-01 earns $113,124 (Step 1) to $125,684 (Step 5) per year as of 2026-01-26.
How much does a CAI-02 make?
A CAI-02 earns $120,893 (Step 1) to $141,787 (Step 7) per year as of 2026-01-26.
How much does a CAI-03 make?
A CAI-03 earns $128,846 (Step 1) to $151,123 (Step 7) per year as of 2026-01-26.
How much does a CAI-04 make?
A CAI-04 earns $136,610 (Step 1) to $160,308 (Step 7) per year as of 2026-01-26.
How much does a CAI-05 make?
A CAI-05 earns $146,933 (Step 1) to $172,529 (Step 7) per year as of 2026-01-26. CAI-05 is the senior-most level in the CAI group.
When was the CAI pay scale last updated?
The current CAI pay scale on FedPay.ca is effective 2026-01-26, with a total of 33 pay steps across 5 levels. Data is verified against Treasury Board collective agreements regularly.
What is the CAI take-home pay after taxes?
CAI take-home pay depends on your level, step, province, and pension group. Use the FedPay.ca take-home pay calculator at fedpay.ca/take-home to see your net pay after federal tax, provincial tax, CPP, EI, and Public Service Pension Plan contributions for any CAI level and step.